Receiving a Bone Graft in the Savannah, GA Region

Receiving a Bone Graft in the Savannah, GA Region

When teeth are missing due to gum disease, injury, or other problems, bone loss usually results because the jaw no longer receives the stimulation that the tooth roots once provided. Dental implants are today’s standard tooth replacement option for missing teeth but they do require sufficient bone in order to work. A bone graft is a procedure that replaces missing bone so that the jaw can support dental implants.

If you have lost teeth and bone to gum disease or other health issues, a bone graft in the Savannah, GA region with Dr. Justin Bordlemay can address it!

Types of Dental Bone Grafts to Replace Bone Lost to Gum Disease

Autogenous bone graft: This procedure works by removing a small amount of bone from the patient’s chin and depositing it in areas of the jaw where bone density is low. This method has a high success rate because the bone comes from the patient’s own body.

1. Anesthetic is applied to numb the chin and the site to be augmented.
2. Dr. Bordlemay makes a small incision along the gum line in the area of deficit to identify how much bone needs to be replaced.
3. Another incision is made in the gum line, near the chin, to extract the necessary bone and marrow.
4. The chin incision is closed with sutures.
5. The extracted bone and marrow are placed in the areas where bone density is low and held in place with small dental screws. Separate grafting material may also be introduced to help boost the healing process.
6. The gum line incision is then sutured closed.

Allograft: This procedure utilizes grafting material from a bone tissue bank and is achieved by taking the same steps as an autogenous bone graft. The donor material, which is carefully screened and classified, is a safe alternative for patients who prefer not to have bone removed from their own chin.

Xenograft: This procedure utilizes grafting material usually sourced from a cow and is also achieved by following the same steps as an autogenous graft. The donor material, which is easily obtained and carefully screened and classified, is another safe alternative for patients who prefer not to have bone removed from their own chin.

After the Bone Grafting Procedure

Antibiotics are typically prescribed before and after a bone graft. Medication may also be used to manage any discomfort felt afterwards and soft foods are recommended while the gums heal. Most patients can receive dental implants anywhere from six to nine months after a bone grafting procedure.

If you have lost teeth and bone to gum disease or other problems, a bone graft in Savannah, GA with Dr. Bordlemay may get you on your way to dental implants. Call us today for your bone grafting and dental implants consultation.